Waffle House lost a loyal customer as Matthew Chad Stephens Sr. left to be with his Lord and Savior on May 9, 2019. Weary of leaving an obituary focusing on his courageous battle with death, Matt wanted it known that he died as a direct result of wreaking havoc and agitating the masses for more than four decades, and loving until his heart had no more to give. Cancer did not win. Matt was given the gift of life and understood that he had to give it back. This was difficult but he never met a challenge he was unable to overcome. When the cancer became terminal, he decided to be joyful about having lived a life filled with friends and family, rather than be sad about having to leave so many loved ones behind. Amazingly, this attitude would be the catalyst that allowed him to positively influence so many people during his final days.

Matt was born on June 14, 1974, in Parsons, Kansas, to Alice Diane and Glenn Raymond Stephens. He was a spitfire who spent his adolescent years growing in his Christian faith, learning from his parents, and attempting to convince his younger sister that he was the (self-proclaimed) favored child. In 1992 he graduated high school from Holland Hall in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1999 he graduated from the University of Oklahoma Dental School. He was a doctor (just a dentist, not like a real doctor) at twenty four. He would soon learn that being a dentist was neither his favorite or only calling in life, as he went on to become an amateur wrestler, MMA fighter, professional internet troll, ordained minister, unofficial spokesperson for Wyler's Authentic Italian Ices, gunsmith, Navy Lieutenant Commander and Army Major.

Matt epitomized what an American patriot is supposed to be. He loved his country with slightly less passion than his family. He was a decorated veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah, Iraq. He served the United States of America with honor, dignity and a sense of purpose. He asked no sailor or soldier do anything that he was not willing to do himself, and he always made sure his men were taken care of before taking care of himself. During his service he suffered a traumatic brain injury, and would later be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and service-connected cancer. Matt would not let himself be defined by his ailments, but rather used them to shed a very public light on the difficulties and inefficiencies of the veteran healthcare system.

Matt loved his family with an unrivaled fierceness. He also loved his dog Quinn, friends, food, making inappropriate comments, the Oakland Raiders, saving elderly men from wildfires, World of Tanks, the gun range, and everything about fabulous Las Vegas, but not necessarily in that order. He hated injustice, hypocrites, watching baseball on TV, chain restaurants, and social justice warriors, also not necessarily in that order. He wanted everyone to know that if you owe him a beer, and if you can find him in Heaven, he will gladly allow you to buy him a Guinness. Unlike previous times, this is not a ploy to avoid creditors or old girlfriends.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Matt during his short forty four years of life, among them: Never pack for a vacation until two hours (at the most) before the flight is to take off. If the neighbors' dogs corner a rabid possum, fire at least five rounds into it without regard for bystanders or city limits. A tall glass of water and two ibuprofen can cure just about anything, but always keep a cold Dr. Pepper in the fridge as a backup. Ranger panties, with or without the liner, are suitable swim attire.

Matt leaves behind his eternally beloved wife, Jennifer Renee Stephens, his best friend, the love of his life, and chosen caregiver for his children. He is survived by his six children, Lauren Elizabeth Stephens, Matthew Chad Stephens II, Tiffany Renee Stephens, Joseph Riley Stephens, Gabrielle Elizabeth Laub, and Maxwell William Bowling. He also leaves behind his mother, sister, Ashley Estep, and her husband, David Kimber. His nieces and nephews, Cassie, Gabby, and Milo Estep, Payne Baker, and Dylan and Eliza Hulsizer, held a very special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers the Stephens Family requests donations be made to the "Jennifer R Stephens - Stephens Children's Fund" (account ending in 5118) at any Bank of Oklahoma location. Donations may also be sent via PayPal or Venmo to jenrenstephens@gmail.com and will be transferred accordingly. The Funeral Service will be held 11:30AM Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Christian Chapel, 7807 E 76th St, Tulsa, OK 74133. Burial to follow with the United States Navy providing military honors at 2PM, Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, OK. Services under the direction of Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel.